The Status of Spermatogenesis in Germ Cell Tumor Bearing Testis and Its Association with Metastatic Disease.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the status of spermatogenesis detected by histological examination of non-tumoral testicular tissues in tumor bearing testis and its association with advanced stage disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) that undergone radical orchiectomy. All non-tumoral areas of the orchiectomy specimens were examined for the status of spermatogenesis. Patients were divided into two groups as localized (stage I) and metastatic (stage II-III) disease and analyzed separately for seminomatous (SGCT) and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-four patients were included in our final analysis. Of those, 195 patients had SGCT, and 259 patients had NSGCT. Three hundred and six patients had localized disease at the time of diagnosis. Median (Q1-Q3) age was 31 (26 - 38) years and 102 (22.5%) patients had normal spermatogenesis, 177 (39.0%) patients had hypospermatogenesis and 175 (38.5%) patients had no mature spermatozoa. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, embryonal carcinoma >50% (1.944, 95 %CI 1.054-3.585, P = .033) and spermatogenesis status (2.796 95% CI 1.251-6.250, P = .012 for hypospermatogenesis, and 3.907, 95% CI 1.692-9.021, P = .001 for absence of mature spermatozoa) were independently associated with metastatic NSGCT. However, there was not any variables significantly associated with metastatic SGCT on multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that only 22.5% of patients with TGCTs had normal spermatogenesis in tumor bearing testis. Impaired spermatogenesis (hypospermatogenesis or no mature spermatozoa) and predominant embryonal carcinoma are associated with advanced stage NSGCT.

Evolving horizons in renal angiomyolipoma: two decades of management strategies and clinical perspectives in a single institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess various management options for renal angiomyolipoma (AML) to guide clinical practice. METHODS: A single center retrospectively reviewed an AML series from 2002 to 2022. The image reports and chart reviews of patients who received two abdominal scans at least 6 months between the first and last scans were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients with 209 tumors were identified and followed up for a median of 42.6 months. Active surveillance (AS) was the most frequently selected option (70.9% of cases). Interventions were required for 59 AMLs, of which 20 were treated with embolization, 29 with partial nephrectomy, 9 with radical nephrectomy, and 1 with radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The median size of the lesions at intervention was 5 cm. The average growth rate of the lesions was 0.12 cm/year, and there was a significant difference in the average growth rate of lesions ≤4 cm and those >4 cm (0.11 vs. 0.24 cm/year; p = 0.0046). CONCLUSION: This series on AMLs confirms that lesions >4 cm do not require early intervention based on size alone. Appropriately selected cases of renal AML can be managed by AS.KEYWORDS: Angiomyolipoma; active surveillance; embolization; nephrectomy; nephron-sparing surgery.

Exploring the impact of digital health literacy on quality of life in patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery for kidney stone treatment: a prospective, single-center study.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the recommended treatment for renal stones up to two cm in size. As digital health literacy (e-HL) has become increasingly important in promoting informed health decisions and healthy behaviors, it is necessary to investigate its impact on RIRS treatment outcomes. We aimed to explore the influence of patients' e-HL level on their postoperative quality of life (QoL). We conducted an observational prospective study of 111 patients who underwent RIRS for renal pelvis stones. Before RIRS, we evaluated patients' e-HL using the electronic health literacy scale (eHEALS). QoL was evaluated using the five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) one month after RIRS. SFR was determined by a negative CT scan or asymptomatic patients with stone fragments < 3 mm. Adult individuals aged 18 years or older with typical calyceal anatomy met the eligibility criteria for enrollment. Exclusion criteria for the study included patients with ureteric stones, anomalous kidneys, or bilateral renal stones. The relationship between patients' QoL and stone-free rate was explored using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The mean stone burden was 14 ± 3 mm (6-19 mm). The overall SFR was 83.3% after one month. The median EQ-5D-5L utility index and VAS score were 0.826 (0.41-1) and 70 (20-100) respectively, for the overall population. We found that poorer e-HL was associated with being older (p = 0.035), having less education (p = 0.005), and not having access to the internet (p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed between patients with sufficient e-HL and patients with limited e-HL in the self-care (p = 0.02) and anxiety/depression (p = 0.021) dimensions. To date, no study has examined the impact of patients' e-HL levels on postoperative QoL in patients undergoing RIRS. This study also revealed that e-HL levels in patients undergoing RIRS were related to postoperative QoL, especially self-care and anxiety/depression dimensions, whereas there was no relationship between them and SFR.

Impact of health and digital health literacy on quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: prospective single-center cohort study.

PURPOSE: The importance of health literacy (HL) and digital health literacy (e-HL) in promoting healthy behavior and informed decision making is becoming increasingly apparent. This study aimed to assess the effects of HL and e-HL on the quality of life (QoL) of men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 104 patients who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer. HL and e-HL were evaluated using the validated eHealth Literacy Scale and European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire Short Form before RP. We evaluated patients' physical, psychological, social, and global QoL using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 8 weeks after RP. The exclusion criterion was any difficulties in language and comprehension. We employed one-way ANOVA to compare continuous variables across groups in univariate analysis and used MANOVA for exploring relationships among multiple continuous variables and groups in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed that poorer e-HL and HL were associated with being older (p = 0.019), having less education (p < 0.001), and not having access to the internet (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between improved e-HL (p = 0.043) and HL (p = 0.023), better global health status, and higher emotional functioning (p = 0.011). However, the symptom scales did not differ significantly between the e-HL and HL groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a positive association between self-reported HL/e-HL and QoL, marking the first report on the impact of HL/e-HL on the QoL in men who underwent RP for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Effect of different alpha-receptor antagonists on metabolic parameters: a head-to-head comparison.

PURPOSE: Although it is known that alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists have positive effects on metabolic parameters such as glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity, it is unclear whether this is a class effect. Tamsulosin is reported to have adverse effects on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, and this may be because of its lack of glycolysis-enhancing effect compared with other alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists with glycolysis-enhancing effects such as doxazosin, terazosin, and alfuzosin. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of tamsulosin on metabolic parameters with another alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, doxazosin. METHODS: In this prospective, observational, controlled, 12-week clinical study, a total of 60 male patients aged ≥ 40 years who were first started on tamsulosin (n = 30; 0.4 mg/day, oral; mean age, 59.20 ± 8.97 years) or doxazosin (n = 30; 4 or 8 mg/day, oral; mean age, 58.50 ± 8.93 years) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were enrolled. The groups were compared according to the changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters (glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity) at the end of treatment. RESULTS: In intragroup analyses, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the doxazosin group compared with baseline (p < 0.05 for all), while no significant change was observed in the tamsulosin group. In comparisons between groups, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels showed a significant decrease in the doxazosin group compared with the tamsulosin group (percent change: - 6.68 ± 13.08 vs. 0.53 ± 11.02, p = 0.025; - 3.63 ± 9.56 vs. 4.02 ± 10.86, p = 0.005; and - 5.62 ± 18.18 vs. 5.24 ± 15.42, p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although these results do not support previous findings that tamsulosin has adverse effects on metabolic parameters, they suggest that doxazosin treatment may be a reason for preference in patients with BPH or LUTS accompanied by metabolic disorder.

Early versus delayed ureterolithotripsy following obstructive acute pyelonephritis treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is no recommendation on the timing of ureterolithotripsy after the treatment of obstructive acute pyelonephritis (APN). The effect of early and delayed ureterolithotripsy on postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and other complications was investigated. METHODS: Patients who underwent ureterolithotripsy after obstructive APN treatment between February 2017 and August 2021 were divided into two groups, those operated during hospitalization and those operated within 3 months after discharge. Two groups were compared in terms of stone-free status, postoperative complications, postoperative UTI, and urosepsis rates. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients included in the study, 68 were in the early ureterolithotripsy group, while 23 patients were in the delayed ureterolithotripsy group. The postoperative UTI rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent early ureterolithotripsy (29.4% vs 8.7%, p = 0.045). Patients with postoperative UTI had a higher moderate/severe perinephric fat stranding (PFS) on non-contrast CT at hospital admission (52.2% vs 29.4%, p = 0.048). Among the laboratory parameters, white blood cells were significantly higher in the group with postoperative UTI (21604.5 vs 14728.9, p = 0.042). In the multivariate analysis, early ureterolithotripsy and moderate/severe PFS were independent predictors for postoperative UTI. In the created model, the probability of postoperative UTI after ureterolitripsy after obstructive APN treatment was 3.5% in patients without risk factors, while this rate was 51.9% in patients with both risk factors. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus on the timing of stone removal after treatment of obstructive APN. Early ureterolithoripsy and moderate/severe perinephric fat stranding on non-contrast CT are risk factors for postoperative UTI.

Paratesticular Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma with Rhabdomyoblastic Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Liposarcomas of the paratesticular tissue is a rare pathological entity. The symptoms are similar to inguinal hernias or hydroceles. We present the case of an 84-year-old man with a rare paratesticular liposarcoma that manifested as painless right hemiscrotal swelling. Testicular tumour markers were negative. Imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass with a fat component. He underwent a radical orchiectomy on the left side to remove the associated mass. This revealed dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation and MDM2 amplification. The surgical margins were negative, and the patient had a metastatic workup that included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis. Because of the disease's rarity, there is no clear agreement on radiotherapy and chemotherapy roles.

Effect of internet pornography use frequency on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity in young Turkish men: the mediating role of dyadic adjustment.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effect of the frequency of using pornography on psychogenic erectile dysfunction severity after controlling for other psychological factors. It then evaluated the mediating role of dyadic adjustment regarding this. This study included 66 young married heterosexual male patients who were diagnosed with psychogenic erectile dysfunction after organic causes were excluded. The patients filled out the form about demographics, the age of onset of pornography use, and the frequency of pornography use. All participants were evaluated using a comprehensive data form, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-Somatic, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A significant strong negative correlation was determined between the International Index of Erectile Function scores and pornography use frequency (r = -0.535 and p < 0.001). Pornography use frequency and Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores were found to have a significant predictive effect on erectile dysfunction scores in hierarchical regression analysis after controlling for somatization, depression, and perceived stress, which are typically correlated with erectile dysfunction scores (Beta = -0.28, and 0.34 respectively, p = 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). The Sobel test conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of dyadic adjustment revealed that dyadic adjustment played a mediating role in the correlation between pornography use frequency and erectile dysfunction scores (z = -1.988 and p = 0.047, respectively). The most significant observation of this study was the specific causative effect of pornography use frequency on erectile dysfunction severity through dyadic adjustment, especially considering that the frequency of using pornography is a modifiable factor.

The Clinical Impact of Physical Activity on the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Postprostatectomy Functional Outcomes in the Elderly.

Objectives: The effect of physical activity on prostate cancer is controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on prostate cancer detection and functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy. Methods: Between 2019 and 2020, 166 patients who underwent prostate biopsy were included. The physical activity scores of patients were evaluated by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire before the procedure. PASE scores were compared between the patients with and without prostate cancer and local and metastatic aggressiveness of cancer. Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were followed up for 12 months to analyze the effect of physical activity on erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI). Results: There was no significant difference between patients with and without prostate cancer in terms of PASE scores (187.7 vs. 195.5, p=0.665). PASE scores were also similar when separated according to D'Amico risk classification and metastatic events. Twenty-seven patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were evaluated in terms of functional outcomes at the first year of surgery. PASE scores of the patients with severe ED were lower than mild-moderate ED, but no statistically significant difference was observed (197.0 vs. 268.5, p=0.267). Patients with persistent UI had a significantly lower PASE score overall than continent patients (128.3 vs. 271.1, p=0.001), and PASE score was the only independent predictor of UI following radical prostatectomy. Conclusion: The effect of physical activity on prostate cancer development or aggressiveness could not be determined. Physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of UI following radical prostatectomy.

The Impact of Histological Variants on Oncological Outcomes in Patients with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated with Radical Cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous entity characterized by a wide range of different morphologies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic effect of bladder tumor with variant histology that is treated with radical cystectomy on oncological outcomes. METHODS: One hundred eighty-six patients who underwent radical cystectomy between September 2001 and June 2020 were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups variant histology group (n = 54) and transitional cell cancer group (n = 132). Clinicopathologic data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. In the mul- tivariate analysis of cancer-specific survival in transitional cell cancer against variant histology, high-grade detection of primary transurethral bladder tumor pathology, cystectomy pT, cystectomy positive lymph node, and positive surgical margin in cys- tectomy were determined to be statistically significant. Diagnosis of pT2 and high grade of primary transurethral bladder tumor pathology, cystectomy ≥ pT3, cystec- tomy positive lymph node, and positive surgical margin in cystectomy were statis- tically significant in multivariate analysis of overall survival. Cancer-specific survival time was estimated at 65.1 ± 8.3 months for variant histology and 134.2 ± 10.4 months for transitional cell cancer (P=.004). The estimated overall survival time was 61.9 ± 8.0 months in variant histology and 119.0 ± 9.8 months in transitional cell cancer (P = .014). CONCLUSION: Pathological features and prognosis of bladder cancer with variant histol- ogies are worse than those of pure urothelial bladder cancer. Overall survival and can- cer-specific survival are shorter in bladder cancer with variant histology than in pure urothelial bladder cancer. Following the diagnosis of variant histology in transurethral bladder tumor, poor prognosis must be considered in the treatment plan.

The Relationship Between Lymphocyte Subtypes with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The immune system has an essential role in the development of cancer by showing both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities. Understanding the immune func- tion of patients with malignancy is of clinical importance for the evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. We aimed to evaluate lymphocyte subtypes in peripheral blood samples of prostate cancer patients and their relationship with clinicopathologi- cal features and prognosis. METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent open radical prosta- tectomy were included in our study. The percentages of CD3+T lymphocyte, CD19+ B lymphocyte, CD16/56 natural killer cells, CD4+ helper T lymphocyte, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and CD45 total lymphocyte were evaluated for each patient using the blood sample taken into a hemogram tube before surgery. RESULTS: The pathological stage was T2 for 64 of the cases and T3 for 73. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 12.81 ± 6.20 months. The CD3+/CD4+ counts of the patients with pathological stage T2 were found to be statistically significantly higher than stage T3. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the prostate-specific antigen levels and CD3+/CD4+ percentages of the patients. There was no statistical significance between the percentages of lymphocyte subtypes and the presence of surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, adjuvant therapy, and cancer upgrade. CONCLUSION: We consider that the increase in the pathological stage and prostate-spe- cific antigen value and the decrease in the number of CD4+ T lymphocyte subtypes may be prognostic markers in prostate cancer patients.

The prevalence and topographic distribution of penile calcification in a large cohort: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of penile calcification in the population remains uncertain. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of penile calcification in a large cohort of male patients undergoing non-contrast pelvic tomography. A total of 14 545 scans obtained from 19 participating centers between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed within a 3-months period. Eligible scans (n = 12 709) were included in the analysis. Patient age, penile imaging status, presence of calcified plaque, and plaque measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between calcified plaque, patient age, plaque characteristics, and plaque location. Among the analyzed scans, 767 (6.04%) patients were found to have at least one calcified plaque. Patients with calcified plaque had a significantly higher median age (64 years (IQR 56-72)) compared to those with normal penile evaluation (49 years (IQR 36-60) (p < 0.001). Of the patients with calcified plaque, 46.4% had only one plaque, while 53.6% had multiple plaques. There was a positive correlation between age and the number of plaques (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The average dimensions of the calcified plaques were as follows: width: 3.9 ± 5 mm, length: 5.3 ± 5.2 mm, height: 3.5 ± 3.2 mm, with an average plaque area of 29 ± 165 mm² and mean plaque volume of 269 ± 3187 mm³. Plaques were predominantly located in the proximal and mid-penile regions (44.1% and 40.5%, respectively), with 77.7% located on the dorsal side of the penis. The hardness level of plaques, assessed by Hounsfield units, median of 362 (IQR 250-487) (range: 100-1400). Patients with multiple plaques had significantly higher Hounsfield unit values compared to those with a single plaque (p = 0.003). Our study revealed that patients with calcified plaques are older and have multiple plaques predominantly located on the dorsal and proximal side of the penis.

Clinicopathologic features and prognostic significance of mixed (Low and high-grade) papillary urothelial carcinoma comparison with low and high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.

The World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (2022 WHO/ISUP) classification categorizes noninvasive carcinomas based on the highest grade observed in a pathology sample. According to this classification, a lesion is classified as mixed-grade (MG) if the highest-grade component comprises less than 5% high-grade (HG) carcinoma [14]. This study included 160 cases of low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (LGUC) and 160 cases of HG papillary urothelial carcinoma (HGUC), selected randomly. In addition, 160 consecutive and unselected cases of MG papillary urothelial carcinoma (MGUC) were obtained from all bladder transurethral resection specimens diagnosed with papillary urothelial carcinoma between January 2007 and January 2021. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that histologic grade, invasion of the lamina propria, and the presence of carcinoma in situ at presentation were independent prognostic parameters regarding recurrence-free survival (p = 0.002; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.059-1.956, p = 0.02; and HR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.159-2.684, p = 0.008, respectively). Histologic grade was the only independent prognostic parameter of disease-specific survival (DSS) (p < 0.001). Comparisons between non-muscle invasive (NMI) MGUC and NMI LGUC, as well as between NMI MGUC and NMI HGUC, revealed statistically significant differences in terms of DSS (HR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.024-0.252, p < 0.001 and HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.023-2.460, p = 0.039, respectively). Our study findings demonstrate statistically significant differences regarding DSS between NMI MGUC and NMI HGUC, as well as between NMI MGUC and NMI LGUC. Therefore, we suggested that considering the presence of less than 5% MGUC as a separate category may be appropriate. However, it is important to validate our results in larger cohorts with longer follow-up periods to establish the clinical significance of MGUC and provide guidance for patient management.

A Retrospective Analysis of 83 Patients with Testicular Mass Who Underwent Testis-Sparing Surgery: The Eurasian Uro-oncology Association Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we analyzed the histopathological, oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with distinct risk for testicular cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study on consecutive patients who underwent TSS. Patients were categorized in high- or low-risk testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) according to the presence/absence of features compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Histology was categorized per size and risk groups. RESULTS: TSS was performed in 83 patients (86 tumors) of them, 27 in the high-risk group. Fifty-nine patients had a non-tumoral contralateral testis present. Sixty masses and 26 masses were benign and TGCTs, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in mean age (30.9 ± 10.32 years), pathological tumor size (14.67 ± 6.7 mm) between risk groups or between benign and malignant tumors (p = 0.608). When categorized per risk groups, 22 (73.3%) and 4 (7.1%) of the TSS specimens were malignant in the high- and low-risk patient groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the only independent variable significantly related to malignant outcome was previous history of TGCT. During a mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 22.7 months, no patient developed systemic disease. Local recurrence was detected in 5 patients and received radical orchiectomy. Postoperative testosterone levels remained normal in 88% of those patients with normal preoperative level. No erectile dysfunction was reported in patients with benign lesions. CONCLUSION: TSS is a safe and feasible approach with adequate cancer control, and preservation of sexual function is possible in 2/3 of patients harboring malignancy. Incidence of TGCT varies extremely between patients at high and low risk for TGCT requiring a careful consideration and counseling.

The effect of bioelectric impedance analysis on the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method that can show the distribution of fatty and lean mass of the body. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of BIA on extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) success. Our secondary aim was to determine the factors predicting transition from a single SWL session to multiple sessions. Patients who underwent SWL due to kidney stones were prospectively included. Demographics, pre-procedural BIA parameters (fat percentage, obesity degree, muscle mass, total water and metabolic rate), stone parameters, and number of SWL sessions were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyzes were made to determine independent risk factors for success. Then, the successful group was divided into two subgroups according to their SWL session number as one session or multiple sessions and multivariate regression analysis was made to determine independent risk factors. Stone-free status was achieved in 114 (61.2%) of 186 patients. Stone Hounsfield Unit (HU) (OR: 0.998, p = 0.004), stone volume (OR: 0.999, p = 0.023) and fat percentage (OR: 0.933, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for stone-free status in multivariate analysis. HU value of the stone (OR: 1.003, p = 0.005) and age (OR: 1.032, p = 0.031) were determined as independent risk factors for transition to multiple sessions in the subgroup analysis of the successful group. Fat percentage, stone volume, and stone density were determined as factors affecting success in SWL. Routine use of BIA may be considered to predict success before SWL. The probability of SWL success in a single session decreases as the age and stone's HU value increase.

Factors influencing the decision-making in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal masses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the factors affecting the decision on surgical approach such as hilum dissection, vessel clamping, and the warm ischemia time (WIT) in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for small renal masses (SRMs). METHODS: Patients who underwent LPN for SRMs between 2011 and 2021 in two centers were retrospectively screened. Standardized R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS) and each of the components were scored on a Likert scale and the effect on the surgical approach was examined by using them separately. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients, 85 of whom were on-clamp and 48 were off-clamp, were included in the study. Greater tumor size, low BMI, higher RNS, upper pole tumor, low exophytic rate, and nearness to the collecting system were statistically significant for both on/off-clamp and hilar dissection decisions. In multivariate analysis, greater tumor size, upper pole tumor, lower rate of exophytic part (E2), nearness to the collecting system (N3) were independent risk factors for vessel clamping. Greater tumor size and lower exophytic tumor rate (E2) were independent risk factors for hilum dissection. We could not identify any factor affecting WIT. CONCLUSION: Individual components of RNS may serve as a better tool for decision-making on vessel clamping and hilum dissection during LPN for SRMs.

Oncologic outcomes of postoperative adjuvant versus salvage radiotherapy in prostate cancer.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term oncological results of patients with the diagnosis of prostate cancer who underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and subsequent adjuvant (ART) or salvage radiotherapy (SRT). Material and methods: A total of 145 patients underwent open RRP for prostate cancer and subsequent ART or SRT postoperatively between 2010 and 2019. ART (n = 56) is defined as the group of patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <0.2 ng/mL or with positive lymph nodes without PSA increase who received radiotherapy within the first 6 months of urinary continence. SRT (n = 89) is defined as the group of patients with PSA >0.2 ng/mL who received RT before PSA amounted to 0.5 ng/mL. Results: Statistically no significant difference was found between groups in terms of age, prostate volume, final pathology Gleason scores, lymphadenectomy, duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), time to relapse after radiotherapy, development of biochemical recurrence and disease progression. Extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and surgical margin positivity were significantly higher in the ART group. No difference was found between the groups in terms of biochemical recurrence-free survival, while cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates were significantly higher in the SRT group. Conclusions: It was found that cancer-specific and overall survival was better in the SRT group. It will be more appropriate to follow-up until the recurrence and then to perform SRT after the relapse in the postoperative period.

Diagnosis of Testicular Torsion and Differentiation From Other Pathologies Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy device to diagnose testicular torsion with high sensitivity and specificity. Specifically, we aim to investigate the differentiation between testicular torsion from other pathologies such as orchidoepididymitis, varicocele, and hydrocele. METHODS: Two LEDs with wavelengths of 660 nm and 940 nm were used as light sources in the device. Each wavelength was sent to the testicle successively, and a photodiode detected back-reflected diffuse light. The ratio of the light intensities of 660 nm and 940 nm was used as a diagnostic parameter. A multi-center clinical trial was performed in 5 different hospitals. RESULTS: In total, 62 patients in urology clinics with acute testicular pain have been recruited for the study. The developed NIR spectroscopy correctly defined all 8 testicular torsion cases. Besides, 3 orchidoepididymitis, 1 varicocele, and 3 hydrocele cases were correctly distinguished from testicular torsion. Only 1 hydrocele case was misdiagnosed as torsion. The range of the ratio was between 0.14 and 1.16 overall measurements. The ratio varied between 0.14 and 0.3 for the testicle with torsion. The ratio was between 0.49 and 1.16 for the normal testicle and testicle with other pathologies mentioned above. CONCLUSION: We have chosen the threshold ratio of 0.4 to differentiate between the normal and torsion testis and diagnosed all the torsion cases among all normal and other pathologies. The developed optical device to diagnose testicular torsion is inexpensive, user-friendly, and works based on objective criteria with high sensitivity and specificity in real time.

The cribriform morphology impairs Gleason 7 prostate cancer lesion detection on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is a useful tool for the detection of tumor lesions however, some clinically significant lesions are still missed. We determined whether the cribriform pattern has an effect on lesion detection in mpMRI. METHODS: We reviewed the single-institution database of the patients who underwent mpMRI before radical prostatectomy. We included the patients only with the Gleason 7 final pathology of open radical prostatectomy with curative intent between 2016 and 2021. Prostatectomy mappings according to the 16-sector map and cribriform patterns were re-evaluated by two genitourinary pathologists. Prostate mpMRIs were read by two genitourinary radiologists. If the index and nonindex lesions in pathology mapping were matched with mpMRI as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System-3 or higher, it was defined as detectable. We compared the detection rates of lesions with and without cribriform morphology. In regression analysis, we also assessed the factors affecting the detectability of prostate cancer lesions. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients and 157 lesions were included in our study. While 52 of 83 cribriform pattern positive lesions could be detected in mpMRI, 59 of 74 cribriform pattern negative lesions could be detected (62.7% vs. 79.7%, respectively, p = 0.019). The lesions were also distributed homogeneously according to diameters and analyzed separately. All lesions between 21 and 30 mm with the negative cribriform pattern were detected on mpMRI. However, only 77.8% of cribriform pattern positive lesions between 21 and 30 mm could be detected (p = 0.034). The Higher D'Amico risk group and the absence of cribriform morphology were independent predictors for the lesion detection on mpMRI. CONCLUSION: The presence of cribriform pattern in Gleason 7 prostate cancer lesions decreases the lesion detection rate of mpMRI.